2003 Silverado Horn Stopped Working

[flhtvtwin1]

My 2003 Silverado horn stopped working today. I checked the fuse before I realized I could use the key FOB to lock the doors twice to check its function. When using the FOB, the horn does work. When using the steering wheel pad, the horn does not work.

 

I found many references to this problem on GM vehicles from '99 to 2006, but only one site listed a fix. It said the ground wire is not sufficient and a new one needs to be run from the column to a good ground with 12 gage wire.

 

I would also like to know how to remove the steering wheel since this truck has the airbag. That way I can check out the horn switch if needed.

 

Thanks for any help,

 

Mark

[jrrod2004]

This should point you in the right direction (Dont try to use the magnifying glass or any of the links, they wont work), and use the following at your own risk, I will not be held liable if the airbag blows up in your face:

 

 

 

 

Steering Wheel Horn Switch Replacement

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=822718&psdid=297&evc=sm#ss1-822718">

Removal Procedure

1. 
   
   

 
 
Caution: When performing service on or around the SIR components or the SIR wiring, follow the procedures listed below in order to temporarily disable the SIR system. Failure to follow the procedures could result in the following:

• Air bag deployment

 

 

• Personal injury

 

 

• Otherwise unneeded SIR system repairs

 

 
<LI type=1>Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SIR. <LI type=1>Remove the inflatable restraint steering wheel module. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement in SIR. <LI type=1>Remove the horn plunger from the steering column by pressing inward to the stop and rotating the horn plunger 90 degrees.


<LI type=1>Disconnect the captured screws (1,4) to the horn contact plate (2) from the steering wheel (3).

Remove the horn switch (2) from the steering wheel (3).

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=822718&psdid=297&evc=sm#ss2-822718">

Installation Procedure

1. 
   
   

<LI type=1>Install the horn switch (2) to the steering wheel (3). Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
 
<LI type=1>Connect the captured screws (1,4) from the horn contact plate (2) to the steering wheel (3) . Tighten
Tighten the screws to 5.5 N·m (50 lb in).
 
 


<LI type=1>Install the horn plunger to the steering column. <LI type=1>Install the inflator module.
Enable the SIR system.

 

[jrrod2004]

Had to divide the post up into multiple posts because of all of the info:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIR Disabling and Enabling

SIR component location affects how a vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the SIR system installed in various locations around a vehicle. To find the location of the SIR components refer to SIR Identification Views .

 

There are several reasons for disabling the SIR system, such as repairs to the SIR system or servicing a component near or attached to an SIR component. There are several ways to disable the SIR system depending on what type of service is being performed. The following information covers the proper procedures for disabling/enabling the SIR system.

 

Condition

 

Action

 

If the vehicle was involved in an accident with an air bag deployment.

 

Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *. Refer to Repairs and Inspections Required After a Collision .

 

When performing SIR diagnostics.

 

Follow the appropriate SIR service manual diagnostic procedure(s) *

 

When removing or replacing an SIR component or a component attached to an SIR component.

 

Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *

 

If the vehicle is suspected of having shorted electrical wires.

 

Disconnect the negative battery cable(s) *

 

When performing electrical diagnosis on components other than the SIR system.

 

Remove the SIR/Airbag fuse(s) when indicated by the diagnostic procedure to disable the SIR system

 

* DTCs will be lost when the negative battery cable is disconnected.

 

 

SIR Service Precautions

 

Caution: When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components. Serious injury can occur. Failure to observe the correct procedure could also result in unnecessary SIR system repairs.

 

The inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) maintains a reserved energy supply. The reserved energy supply provides deployment power for the air bags if the SDM loses battery power during a collision. Deployment power is available for as much as 1 minute after disconnecting the vehicle power. Waiting 1 minute before working on the system after disabling the SIR system prevents deployment of the air bags from the reserved energy supply.

 

 

General Service Instructions

 

The following are general service instructions which must be followed in order to properly repair the vehicle and return it to its original integrity:

 

 

• Do not expose inflator modules to temperatures above 65°C (150°F).

 

 

• Verify the correct replacement part number. Do not substitute a component from a different vehicle.

 

 

• Use only original GM replacement parts available from your authorized GM dealer. Do not use salvaged parts for repairs to the SIR system.

 

Discard any of the following components if it has been dropped from a height of 91 cm (3 feet) or greater:

 

 

• Inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module (SDM)

 

 

• Any Inflatable restraint air bag module

 

 

• Inflatable restraint steering wheel module coil

 

 

• Any Inflatable restraint sensor

 

 

• Inflatable restraint seat belt pretensioners

 

 

• Inflatable restraint Passenger Presence System (PPS) module or sensor

 

 

1. 
   Disabling Procedure - Air Bag Fuse
    
   <LI type=1>Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead. <LI type=1>Place the ignition in the OFF position. Important: The SDM may have more than one fused power input. To ensure there is no unwanted SIR deployment, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs, remove all fuses supplying power to the SDM. With all SDM fuses removed and the ignition switch in the ON position, the AIR BAG warning indicator illuminates. This is normal operation, and does not indicate a SIR system malfunction.
   
    
   <LI type=1>Locate and remove the fuse(s) supplying power to the SDM. Refer to

SIR Schematics or Electrical Center Identification Views .
Wait 1 minute before working on the system.

 

1. 
   Enabling Procedure - Air Bag Fuse
    
   <LI type=1>Place the ignition in the OFF position. <LI type=1>Install the fuse(s) supplying power to the SDM. Refer to

SIR Schematics or Electrical Center Identification Views . <LI type=1>Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will flash then turn OFF.
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - SIR .

 

1. 
   Disabling Procedure - Negative Battery Cable
    
   <LI type=1>Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead. <LI type=1>Place the ignition in the OFF position. <LI type=1>Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Refer to

Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure .
Wait 1 minute before working on system.

 

1. 
   Enabling Procedure - Negative Battery Cable
    
   <LI type=1>Place the ignition in the OFF position. <LI type=1>Connect the negative battery cable to the battery. Refer to

Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure . <LI type=1>Turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The AIR BAG indicator will flash then turn OFF.
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle if the AIR BAG warning indicator does not operate as described. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - SIR .

 

[jrrod2004]

SIR Identification Views

The SIR Identification Views shown below illustrate the approximate location of all SIR components available for the vehicle. This will assist in determining the appropriate SIR Disabling and Enabling for a given service procedure, refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling .

 

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=863513&pubid=297&evc=sm&cellId=73127#oth1-863508">

FIGURE Sierra/Silverado©

 

(1)Inflatable Restraint Front End Sensor-Right-Located on the front frame crossmember(2)Inflatable Restraint I/P Module-Located at the right front of the instrument panel cluster (IPC)(3)Inflatable Restraint Seat Position Sensor (SPS)-Right-Located on the right front outboard seat track(4)Inflatable Restraint Passenger Presence System (PPS)-Located under the right front seat mounted to the seat frame(5)Inflatable Restraint Seat Belt Tension Retractor Sensor-Located on the outboard lower seat belt anchor(6)Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)-Located under the left front seat under the carpet(7)Inflatable Restraint Seat Position Sensor (SPS)-Left-Located on the left front outboard seat track(8)Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module-Located on the steering wheel(9)Battery-Located under the hood on the left side(10)Inflatable Restraint Front End Sensor-Left-Located on the front frame crossmember

[jrrod2004]

Inflatable Restraint Steering Wheel Module Replacement

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=868565&pubid=297&evc=sm&cellId=57810#ss1-868565">

Removal Procedure

1. 
   Caution
   Refer to

SIR Caution in Cautions and Notices.
 
 
Caution
Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in Cautions and Notices.
 
<LI type=1>Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 . <LI type=1>Turn the ignition switch to the ON position in order to unlock the steering wheel. <LI type=1>Turn the steering wheel 90 degrees so the side of the SIR module is at the 12 o'clock position in order to gain access to the access holes behind the steering wheel.

Insert a flat-bladed tool into each access hole and push the leaf spring in order to release the notched pin that retains the inflator module.

 

[jrrod2004]

 

1. 
   <LI type=1>Turn the steering wheel 180 degrees in order to gain access to the remaining access holes. <LI type=1>Insert a flat-bladed tool into the remaining access holes and push the leaf spring to release the notched pin that retains the inflator module.
   
   

<LI type=1>Tilt the top of the inflator module rearward in order to gain access to the SIR wiring. <LI type=1>Disconnect the SIR lead wire from the clip on the inflator module. <LI type=1>Disconnect the SIR lead wire from the clip on the steering wheel.


<LI type=1>Disconnect the connector position assurance (CPA) retainer. <LI type=1>Disconnect the electrical connector.
Caution
Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage Caution in Cautions and Notices.
 
<LI type=1>Remove the inflator module from the vehicle.
Fully deploy the module before disposal. If the module was replaced under warranty, fully deploy and dispose of the module after the required retention period. Refer to Inflator Module Handling and Scrapping .

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=868565&pubid=297&evc=sm&cellId=57810#ss2-868565">

Installation Procedure

1. 
   
   

<LI type=1>Connect the SIR electrical connector. <LI type=1>Connect the CPA retainer to the SIR connector. <LI type=1>Install the SIR lead wire to the clip on the steering wheel. <LI type=1>Install the SIR lead wire to the clip on the inflator module.


 
 

Important
Ensure that the SIR wires do not get pinched during installation of the inflator module.
 

 
<LI type=1>Press the inflator module into the steering wheel firmly enough that the module engages and latches the notched pins in the leaf springs. <LI type=1>Rotate the steering wheel back into the straight position. <LI type=1>Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 .
Connect the battery negative cable.

 

[michigansilver03]

I have to ask have you been though deep water lately or heavy rain ???

[jrrod2004]

that would suck if he was in deep water, heavy rain i could see, maybe

[flhtvtwin1]

No water or heavy rain lately.

 

I did have the intermediate steering shaft replaced, but don't believe that's the reason.

 

Thanks Mike for all the info.

 

Mark

[jrrod2004]

youre welcome, hope I didn't overwhelm you with info.

[anealysr]

My 2000 just did the same thing. It did blow the fuse, I replace and it did it again. I unplugged the passenger side horn and replaced the fuse all good then plugged it back in and all worked, I guess I had a connection problem.

[Rolling]

GM has a lot of water intrusion issues with the stock horns on the GMT800 platforms. Check to see if the fuse is blown before you go ripping your steering harness apart.

It does not take a lot of rain or deep water to cause problems, just one little splash. If the fuse is blown, I would look into either aftermarket horns (louder) or the new updated replacements. And a new fuse..

[flhtvtwin1]

The horn works when using the key FOB to lock the doors. I read that there are grounding issues with the column. Last night I installed a 12 gage ground wire from the column to a good ground point. Still no horn. I will go into the steering wheel today using the airbag info Mike posted.

 

Mark

[jrrod2004]

hmmmmm, that is going to be kind of tough to determine why it is not working...........let us know the result of your tinkering.........

[flhtvtwin1]

I removed the airbag, checked all springs, etc. I found the horn contact spring was not evenly spaced, looked to be smashed or pushed together. I straightened it out, cleaned the contacts. It has worked ever since.

 

Mark